INDUSTRY INSIGHTS YOUR PEERS ARE READING
Speechwriters can find source material in six broad categories: Engineering and Health Care. Engineering Education, Practice and the Profession. Every year, the National Academies publishes more than 100 studies on issues related to engineering, technology and quality of life. Engineering, Energy and the Environment. Engineering, the Economy and Society. National Security and Resilience. Public Policy and Program Reviews. MORE
The second half of my England trip was to Oxford, where I attended the spring conference of the UK Speechwriters Guild and European Speechwriters Network and offered a pre-conference workshop, the UK debut of my Be The Eloquent Woman workshop. MORE
I received this note from freelance writer/editor Chris Dodd, who attended one of my speechwriting seminars many years ago: “Good luck with your session on bylined writing [Sat Aug 20]. I used to do a column for Writer’s Digest on where and how to sell your work. Do you advise writers to study a publication before pitching or sending their work, and to follow the writer’s guidelines? Can’t emphasize that enough. MORE
Therefore, those of you who want to be your own speechwriter have to first do the hard job of learning about your best self for your own talks. With practice, you will improve your performance. MORE
CEO Douglas Parker are making these public appearances in employee locations a regular practice. This is good news for us speechwriters. The recovery is a reality. And, as THE WALL STREET JOURNAL reports, Chief Executive Officers are returning to their public speaking, particularly to internal audiences. Some such as US Airways Group Inc. MORE
10 Steps to Writing a Vital Speech: The Definitive Guide to Professional Speechwriting, by Fletcher Dean Fletcher Dean is a working speechwriter at the Dow Chemical Company where he is Director of Leadership Communications. He’s also a regular presenter at the Ragan Speechwriters Conference and delivered a half-day workshop at the 2012 event on How [.] An added bonus are the Last Word and the Appendix which list practical tips that are worth the price of the book. MORE
It was potentially relevant for an audience of speechwriters, most of whom would have had conversations, if not arguments, with their clients about whether to use PowerPoint or some other type of visual aid. MORE
Holland wonders “What “secrets” would we never tell our clients about the work we do or about their own communication practices?&# His list of nine secrets lifts the lid on the frustrations speechwriters and other communications professionals have with corporate clients. Tags: Business Communication Speechwriting Communications professional Robert J. MORE
Here’s a practical book that will help you add humor to every kind of writing: How To Write Funny (edited by John B. SpeechwritingI’m often asked about adding humor to speeches. Kachuba, Writer’s Digest Books). MORE
Robert Lerose (a marketing writer who has attended several of my speechwriting sessions) spoke at the international conference of a professional trade association. I intend to add public speaking to my mix of self-promotion activities to build my copywriting and speechwriting practice.&# . Tags: careers in speechwriting If you want to build your consulting business, consider giving presentations at conferences. MORE
Inside Voice is the interview series in which we ask speakers and speechwriters to share their public speaking insights, lessons learned, and best practices. That's his pet peeve as a speechwriter. MORE
A veteran speechwriter and executive communications specialist, Ian Griffin helps CEOs and senior managers develop strategic messaging and content for presentations to audiences worldwide. What about the speechwriter? Who would the speechwriter dress up as for a Medieval Halloween Ball? MORE
Below I’ve outlined some practical and easy-to-implement tips for anyone addressing an audience of ‘foreigners’ Use these for minimizing inevitable cross-cultural misunderstandings and appealing to a larger crowd. This is a guest post by Leon Potgieter. MORE
This takes practice, but there's a reason these approaches are popular with audiences: They keep the pace moving forward, and proscribe the slides and the talking. Tags: speechwriter secrets You've tried and tried, but it just won't fit. MORE
I'd recommend this resource for beginning speakers looking to build a set of speaking (and speechwriting) skills--and for experienced speakers who want to fine-tune or upgrade their presentations. MORE
"I''m still practicing my speech on my way to the office! He''s one of many speakers I coach who don''t have much time to practice, thanks to their busy schedules. Yet I know that practice may be the single most important determinant in whether their speeches are a success. MORE
To those of you who have attended my annual master-level speechwriting seminar: Remember how I emphasized the importance of where and when a speech is given? Gates: In a blunt speech given on Saturday, May 8, Defense Secretary Gates challenged some of the Pentagon’s spending practices. . That’s master-level speechwriting at work. (As Interested in the next master-level speechwriting seminar? MORE
Speechwriting. Ranking these sites exactly would have been too difficult and subjective; coming to a consensus on 101 great sites to include on a comprehensive list was more practical. In many career paths (business, media, PR, etc,), public speaking skills are essential. MORE
The world of ghostwriting and speechwriting has gone through paradigm shifts in demand and expectations. It's the courage and energy to try deviating from the supposed best practices of ghostwriting and speechwriting. MORE
As a speaker coach and trainer, I can tell you that the one thing I always recommend is the same thing my trainees rarely do: Practice, and lots of it. I don't just recommend practice for your speech or presentation because it sounds good. You'll get better at it with practice. MORE
My new book – 10 Steps to Writing a Vital Speech – is being published by the best brand in executive communications and speechwriting: Vital Speeches of the Day. They make great Christmas gifts for the favorite speechwriter in your life. Audience Books editing Speeches speechwriting MORE
At the same time, there are practical issues prompted by wardrobes for women speakers, who begin with far more choice in what to wear. MORE
Yesterday, I mentioned an example in Ed Miliband's first speech as Labour Party leader where the audience might have applauded more promptly had the two parts of a positive-negative contrast been written the other way around. MORE
The 135 Rule lasts as long as the first practice. So if you can be in the room – with a stopwatch – when the speaker practices, do it. Audience editing Speeches speechwritingHeres a question that comes up nearly every week from someone: How much do I need to write for a speech of XX minutes? Seems like an innocent question. Unfortunately, reality and experience suggest otherwise. MORE
Speechwriting In Theory and Practice, by Jens E. Kjeldsen, Amos Kiewe, Marie Lund and Jette Barnholdt Hansen Reviewed by Neil Hrab, Rhetoric Editor, Vital Speeches of the Day A Book We’ve Long Awaited Speechwriters have hoped for a long time to see a book like this appear in print. Speechwriting in Theory and Practice’s 13 […]. Speechwriting Book Review MORE
In a nod to Halloween, I’m sharing some of the scariest lines a professional speechwriter can hear from any speaker: “They only gave me 15 minutes, but I’ll need to take at least 30 to say everything.” ” “Oh, I never practice my presentations for this meeting. MORE
Teleprompters were once the province of conventions and television studios. I've told you about open-source software that will put a teleprompter on your desktop or laptop. Now, iPad owners can take the teleprompter with them with new app Prompster , demonstrated in the video at the end of this post. MORE
Delayed applause for Ed Miliband's claims on the 'centre ground' 'Clap on the name': a practical tip for Ed Miliband and/or his speechwriters Delayed applause for William Hague's boast about being in government What a peculiar Tory backdrop, Part 2: What do the flags mean? MORE
Not mentioned in the article is a new resource for those of you who wish to practice your speaking skills in English. SpellUp is a new experiment and game from Google: You use your voice to spell and play word games with it, as a practice tool. MORE
Something jumped out: Each dental practice listed the various languages spoken in its office. Whether you’re looking for a full-time PR job or hoping to get freelance speechwriting work, foreign language skills (even very basic ones) are always a plus. A few days ago, I looked at an online list of dentists. Sometimes it was just English. MORE
Reluctanceto Practice - big surprise here, right? Practice comes in a lot offorms, but one of the best is still speaking in front of your coach,and going over the HD video. Even if you hire a speechwriter, you're going tohave to at least rewrite to be authentic and effective. MORE
All presenters should Twitter, to practice compressing an idea into 140 characters. Tags: Speechwriting clarity kevin rudd Presentations twitter More clarity, more impact. End of post. Blather. MORE
All of the frequent speakers and speechwriters interviewed in my Inside Voice series are storytellers--and some of them help others to tell stories, too. Speechwriter Amélie Crosson-Gooderham adds reality to stories with detail. MORE
So make sure your foreign speakers practice. Most of this boils down one simple tenet of good speechwriting: respect your audience. Good writing, practice, something worthwhile to say - all of them are important. Tags: Audience Speeches speechwriting MORE
Here's how to come out from behind the notecards to stand and deliver: Be frank with your speechwriter. Practice out loud, with a trainer--and the writer--in tow. Bonus: If you work with a speechwriter on a regular basis, she'll do a much better job if she can sit in on your practices. MORE
So when I have the opportunity, I''ll practice a speech from an outline (real or mental), record it, and then go back and transcribe, edit, and prepare it for prime-time. In fact, I did this just last week, at a club contest that I intended on being just a practice for my home club contest. MORE
The Silicon Valley Speechwriters Roundtable conference call took place May 21 at the end of the first day of the Professional Speechwriters Association (PSA) World Conference held May 22-23 at New York University. Podcasts Speechwriting Brian Jenner David Murray MORE
Practice at your home club. World Championship of Public Speaking Editing Contests Speechwriting Toastmasters BrainstormingFor those of you not watching my every move, I'll recap a bit. MORE
As a speaker coach and trainer, I can tell you that the one thing I always recommend is the same thing my trainees rarely do: Practice, and lots of it. I don''t just recommend practice for your speech or presentation because it sounds good. You''ll get better at it with practice. MORE
When you have an important speech to deliver it’s critical to practice out loud at least three times. Typically, I recommend that you practice alone in a room, or in front of a mirror, or in front of a friend, family member or colleague. I don’t believe I’ve ever recommended practicing your speech in front of your trusted canine but apparently I’ve been missing out on a great resource. Speech Preparation Speechwriting Speaking Tips Vocal Skills MORE
Practice. Even without an audience, forcing yourself to practice creates more confidence in your material and builds valuable mind-memory to fall back on in the moment. Practice in front of your lamp or into your hairbrush or a peanut gallery of stuffed animals, but practice. MORE
This posting recently appeared there and I was impressed by the practical advice it contains. It captures the essence of the speechwriting process. Speechwriting Practical TipsDavid Murray is the editor of Vital Speeches of the Day. MORE
Your speechwriting speed will increase, and your writing will become more concise. Transcription Write Your Speech Practice Speech Writing Write Like You Speak Winging It Wing Your SpeechSo glad we're in the computer age. MORE
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
JUNE 28, 2019
Speechwriting In Theory and Practice, by Jens E. Kjeldsen, Amos Kiewe, Marie Lund and Jette Barnholdt Hansen Reviewed by Neil Hrab, Rhetoric Editor, Vital Speeches of the Day A Book We’ve Long Awaited Speechwriters have hoped for a long time to see a book like this appear in print. Speechwriting in Theory and Practice’s 13 […]. Speechwriting Book Review
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
MAY 27, 2014
The Silicon Valley Speechwriters Roundtable conference call took place May 21 at the end of the first day of the Professional Speechwriters Association (PSA) World Conference held May 22-23 at New York University. Podcasts Speechwriting Brian Jenner David Murray
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
AUGUST 30, 2015
This posting recently appeared there and I was impressed by the practical advice it contains. It captures the essence of the speechwriting process. Speechwriting Practical TipsDavid Murray is the editor of Vital Speeches of the Day.
OnSpeechwriting
DECEMBER 3, 2011
My new book – 10 Steps to Writing a Vital Speech – is being published by the best brand in executive communications and speechwriting: Vital Speeches of the Day. They make great Christmas gifts for the favorite speechwriter in your life. Audience Books editing Speeches speechwriting
Can You Hear Me Up the Back?
FEBRUARY 8, 2010
All presenters should Twitter, to practice compressing an idea into 140 characters. Tags: Speechwriting clarity kevin rudd Presentations twitter More clarity, more impact. End of post. Blather.
Speak and Deliver
MARCH 18, 2015
So when I have the opportunity, I''ll practice a speech from an outline (real or mental), record it, and then go back and transcribe, edit, and prepare it for prime-time. In fact, I did this just last week, at a club contest that I intended on being just a practice for my home club contest.
The Eloquent Woman
FEBRUARY 5, 2015
"I''m still practicing my speech on my way to the office! He''s one of many speakers I coach who don''t have much time to practice, thanks to their busy schedules. Yet I know that practice may be the single most important determinant in whether their speeches are a success.
The Eloquent Woman
JULY 11, 2012
As a speaker coach and trainer, I can tell you that the one thing I always recommend is the same thing my trainees rarely do: Practice, and lots of it. I don't just recommend practice for your speech or presentation because it sounds good. You'll get better at it with practice.
The Eloquent Woman
MAY 28, 2015
Inside Voice is the interview series in which we ask speakers and speechwriters to share their public speaking insights, lessons learned, and best practices. That's his pet peeve as a speechwriter.
DeFinis Communications
OCTOBER 30, 2011
A veteran speechwriter and executive communications specialist, Ian Griffin helps CEOs and senior managers develop strategic messaging and content for presentations to audiences worldwide. What about the speechwriter? Who would the speechwriter dress up as for a Medieval Halloween Ball?
The Eloquent Woman
APRIL 10, 2014
The second half of my England trip was to Oxford, where I attended the spring conference of the UK Speechwriters Guild and European Speechwriters Network and offered a pre-conference workshop, the UK debut of my Be The Eloquent Woman workshop.
The Eloquent Woman
AUGUST 8, 2008
I'd recommend this resource for beginning speakers looking to build a set of speaking (and speechwriting) skills--and for experienced speakers who want to fine-tune or upgrade their presentations.
The Eloquent Woman
MARCH 12, 2015
At the same time, there are practical issues prompted by wardrobes for women speakers, who begin with far more choice in what to wear.
The Eloquent Woman
JUNE 19, 2013
As a speaker coach and trainer, I can tell you that the one thing I always recommend is the same thing my trainees rarely do: Practice, and lots of it. I don''t just recommend practice for your speech or presentation because it sounds good. You''ll get better at it with practice.
Max Atkinson
SEPTEMBER 30, 2010
Yesterday, I mentioned an example in Ed Miliband's first speech as Labour Party leader where the audience might have applauded more promptly had the two parts of a positive-negative contrast been written the other way around.
Joan Detz Speaker Services
AUGUST 17, 2011
I received this note from freelance writer/editor Chris Dodd, who attended one of my speechwriting seminars many years ago: “Good luck with your session on bylined writing [Sat Aug 20]. I used to do a column for Writer’s Digest on where and how to sell your work. Do you advise writers to study a publication before pitching or sending their work, and to follow the writer’s guidelines? Can’t emphasize that enough.
Jane Genova: Speechwriter - Ghostwriter
JUNE 1, 2012
Therefore, those of you who want to be your own speechwriter have to first do the hard job of learning about your best self for your own talks. With practice, you will improve your performance.
Joan Detz Speaker Services
MARCH 10, 2011
Speechwriters can find source material in six broad categories: Engineering and Health Care. Engineering Education, Practice and the Profession. Every year, the National Academies publishes more than 100 studies on issues related to engineering, technology and quality of life. Engineering, Energy and the Environment. Engineering, the Economy and Society. National Security and Resilience. Public Policy and Program Reviews.
Joan Detz Speaker Services
OCTOBER 31, 2011
In a nod to Halloween, I’m sharing some of the scariest lines a professional speechwriter can hear from any speaker: “They only gave me 15 minutes, but I’ll need to take at least 30 to say everything.” ” “Oh, I never practice my presentations for this meeting.
Jane Genova: Speechwriter - Ghostwriter
APRIL 4, 2010
CEO Douglas Parker are making these public appearances in employee locations a regular practice. This is good news for us speechwriters. The recovery is a reality. And, as THE WALL STREET JOURNAL reports, Chief Executive Officers are returning to their public speaking, particularly to internal audiences. Some such as US Airways Group Inc.
Jane Genova: Speechwriter - Ghostwriter
AUGUST 22, 2013
The world of ghostwriting and speechwriting has gone through paradigm shifts in demand and expectations. It's the courage and energy to try deviating from the supposed best practices of ghostwriting and speechwriting.
Max Atkinson
SEPTEMBER 20, 2010
It was potentially relevant for an audience of speechwriters, most of whom would have had conversations, if not arguments, with their clients about whether to use PowerPoint or some other type of visual aid.
DeFinis Communications
JULY 31, 2017
When you have an important speech to deliver it’s critical to practice out loud at least three times. Typically, I recommend that you practice alone in a room, or in front of a mirror, or in front of a friend, family member or colleague. I don’t believe I’ve ever recommended practicing your speech in front of your trusted canine but apparently I’ve been missing out on a great resource. Speech Preparation Speechwriting Speaking Tips Vocal Skills
The Eloquent Woman
SEPTEMBER 20, 2010
Teleprompters were once the province of conventions and television studios. I've told you about open-source software that will put a teleprompter on your desktop or laptop. Now, iPad owners can take the teleprompter with them with new app Prompster , demonstrated in the video at the end of this post.
Joan Detz Speaker Services
NOVEMBER 8, 2011
Something jumped out: Each dental practice listed the various languages spoken in its office. Whether you’re looking for a full-time PR job or hoping to get freelance speechwriting work, foreign language skills (even very basic ones) are always a plus. A few days ago, I looked at an online list of dentists. Sometimes it was just English.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
MARCH 21, 2012
10 Steps to Writing a Vital Speech: The Definitive Guide to Professional Speechwriting, by Fletcher Dean Fletcher Dean is a working speechwriter at the Dow Chemical Company where he is Director of Leadership Communications. He’s also a regular presenter at the Ragan Speechwriters Conference and delivered a half-day workshop at the 2012 event on How [.] An added bonus are the Last Word and the Appendix which list practical tips that are worth the price of the book.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
DECEMBER 1, 2009
Holland wonders “What “secrets” would we never tell our clients about the work we do or about their own communication practices?&# His list of nine secrets lifts the lid on the frustrations speechwriters and other communications professionals have with corporate clients. Tags: Business Communication Speechwriting Communications professional Robert J.
Joan Detz Speaker Services
MAY 10, 2010
To those of you who have attended my annual master-level speechwriting seminar: Remember how I emphasized the importance of where and when a speech is given? Gates: In a blunt speech given on Saturday, May 8, Defense Secretary Gates challenged some of the Pentagon’s spending practices. . That’s master-level speechwriting at work. (As Interested in the next master-level speechwriting seminar?
Max Atkinson
OCTOBER 6, 2010
Delayed applause for Ed Miliband's claims on the 'centre ground' 'Clap on the name': a practical tip for Ed Miliband and/or his speechwriters Delayed applause for William Hague's boast about being in government What a peculiar Tory backdrop, Part 2: What do the flags mean?
Speak and Deliver
MAY 16, 2012
Practice. Even without an audience, forcing yourself to practice creates more confidence in your material and builds valuable mind-memory to fall back on in the moment. Practice in front of your lamp or into your hairbrush or a peanut gallery of stuffed animals, but practice.
Speak and Deliver
SEPTEMBER 21, 2011
Your speechwriting speed will increase, and your writing will become more concise. Transcription Write Your Speech Practice Speech Writing Write Like You Speak Winging It Wing Your SpeechSo glad we're in the computer age.
OnSpeechwriting
SEPTEMBER 23, 2012
The 135 Rule lasts as long as the first practice. So if you can be in the room – with a stopwatch – when the speaker practices, do it. Audience editing Speeches speechwritingHeres a question that comes up nearly every week from someone: How much do I need to write for a speech of XX minutes? Seems like an innocent question. Unfortunately, reality and experience suggest otherwise.
Speak and Deliver
SEPTEMBER 28, 2011
Reluctanceto Practice - big surprise here, right? Practice comes in a lot offorms, but one of the best is still speaking in front of your coach,and going over the HD video. Even if you hire a speechwriter, you're going tohave to at least rewrite to be authentic and effective.
Joan Detz Speaker Services
NOVEMBER 5, 2012
Here’s a practical book that will help you add humor to every kind of writing: How To Write Funny (edited by John B. SpeechwritingI’m often asked about adding humor to speeches. Kachuba, Writer’s Digest Books).
OnSpeechwriting
JULY 20, 2010
So make sure your foreign speakers practice. Most of this boils down one simple tenet of good speechwriting: respect your audience. Good writing, practice, something worthwhile to say - all of them are important. Tags: Audience Speeches speechwriting
Speak and Deliver
JUNE 10, 2011
Practice at your home club. World Championship of Public Speaking Editing Contests Speechwriting Toastmasters BrainstormingFor those of you not watching my every move, I'll recap a bit.
The Eloquent Woman
DECEMBER 21, 2010
Here's how to come out from behind the notecards to stand and deliver: Be frank with your speechwriter. Practice out loud, with a trainer--and the writer--in tow. Bonus: If you work with a speechwriter on a regular basis, she'll do a much better job if she can sit in on your practices.
The Eloquent Woman
JULY 8, 2010
This takes practice, but there's a reason these approaches are popular with audiences: They keep the pace moving forward, and proscribe the slides and the talking. Tags: speechwriter secrets You've tried and tried, but it just won't fit.
Joan Detz Speaker Services
SEPTEMBER 30, 2009
Robert Lerose (a marketing writer who has attended several of my speechwriting sessions) spoke at the international conference of a professional trade association. I intend to add public speaking to my mix of self-promotion activities to build my copywriting and speechwriting practice.&# . Tags: careers in speechwriting If you want to build your consulting business, consider giving presentations at conferences.
DeFinis Communications
SEPTEMBER 25, 2013
Speechwriting. Ranking these sites exactly would have been too difficult and subjective; coming to a consensus on 101 great sites to include on a comprehensive list was more practical. In many career paths (business, media, PR, etc,), public speaking skills are essential.
The Eloquent Woman
MAY 28, 2014
Not mentioned in the article is a new resource for those of you who wish to practice your speaking skills in English. SpellUp is a new experiment and game from Google: You use your voice to spell and play word games with it, as a practice tool.
Speaking about Presenting
MARCH 5, 2012
Below I’ve outlined some practical and easy-to-implement tips for anyone addressing an audience of ‘foreigners’ Use these for minimizing inevitable cross-cultural misunderstandings and appealing to a larger crowd. This is a guest post by Leon Potgieter.
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